1976 Holden LX Torana SL/R5000 Sedan

Description

Based on the first all-Australian Torana, the LX was a revamped version of the LH model first seen in 1974 and brought with it the first hatchback body seen on a Holden. Few mechanical changes were made apart from the introduction of new anti-pollution gear (an increase in compression ratio from 9:1 to 9.7: on the 5-litre V8 ensured no performance was lost when this engine was specified) but from early 1977 the switch to radial tuned suspension radically transformed the handling of the Torana. While the new hatchback garnered all the attention, the SL/R 5000 was again the hero car for Holden - particularly when equipped with one of two V8 engines (the 4.2-litre and 5.0-litre) - and there was no mistaking the high performance model thanks to the front and rear spoilers and distinctive script and paintwork. In order to homologate the Salisbury back end, now with rear disc brakes, Holden introduced the A9X option with a 3.08 diff, different front spoiler and bonnet scoop. Although it failed on the first attempt at Bathurst in 1977, Peter Brock and Jim Richards cleaned up in 1978-79 and dominated the Australian Touring Car Championship through the late 1970s.